5 players who have underperformed for Chelsea this season
After taking into account Chelsea's victory over Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge, the Blues still trail Man United by three points and sit in second place. As they continue to apply pressure on the top two, after their 3-1 over the Magpies, Conte will be hoping for a consistent string of performances during the busy festive period.
Going into the new year, the defending champions would want to cut down the gap between leaders Manchester City and themselves. With Hazard peaking at the right time after recovering from his injury and Morata firing on all cylinders, the Italian manager will be eager for some more of his experienced players to turn up and lead the way.
A changed squad from last season, Chelsea are slowly beginning to grow as the season progresses. Four games away from the halfway mark of the season, Conte will want these five key senior players to produce consistent performances during the second half of the campaign.
As the Blues look to defend their title, here are five players who the manager will turn too and can boost the club's title bid this season but have underperformed this season.
#5 Cesc Fabregas
Spanish World Cup winning midfielder and two-time Premier League winner, Cesc Fabregas has struggled a bit to find form thus far this campaign. Since the departure of Nemanja Matic, the manager is still trying to figure out his best central midfield pairing.
With the additions of Drinkwater and Bakayoko, Conte does have options to deploy in the middle of the park with Kante. However, the former Arsenal captain is the most experienced and attacking minded player of the four at the club.
Fabregas has only a single goal and three assists to his name this season, after 14 games. The Spaniard will have to add more value to the team with his passing and experience, as the club look to defend their title.
The former Barcelona player is one of the club's most creative assets and will have to work harder to get the better out the player. Chelsea's lack of goalscorers across the team is alarming this season and Fabregas could help ease the pressure off the strikers by chipping in with a few goals.